Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate): Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Have you ever had an unexpectedly frenzied heartbeat that made you feel worried and out of breath? In that case, you might have had tachycardia. A heart rate that is extremely high compared to resting levels is known as tachycardia. 

In this article, we will shed light on tachycardia — meaning, its causes, and discuss available treatments for this unusual disorder that disrupts the normal rhythm of our hearts.

What is Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)?

Tachycardia, also referred to as fast heart rate, is a cardiac disorder marked by an accelerated heartbeat. The human heart typically beats between 60 to 100 times per minute while at rest, striking a balance between the amount of blood it can pump and the amount of oxygen the body needs. Tachycardia, on the other hand, upsets this balance, causing the heart to beat faster than normal and fall above the top limit of its normal range.

Tachycardia can appear in a number of ways, each with its own specific traits and underlying reasons. It may result from issues with the heart’s electrical system or be brought on by outside factors like stress, worry, physical effort, or ingesting certain drugs or chemicals like caffeine. Recognizing the presence of tachycardia is crucial for early intervention and appropriate management.

Types of Tachycardias

Understanding the different types of tachycardia is crucial in accurately diagnosing and managing the condition. Let’s explore some of the common types:

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): This kind of tachycardia starts above the ventricles and involves the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node. Heart rate spikes between 150 and 250 beats per minute are common during SVT episodes, which can be sudden, transient, or persistent. SVT frequently develops without underlying cardiac disease and may be triggered by stress, coffee, or certain medications.
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): VT results from abnormal electrical activity in the heart’s bottom chambers called ventricles, which are in charge of pumping blood to the body. It is characterized by a fast heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. VT can be a dangerous disorder, especially when it lasts or occurs in those who already have heart disease. In severe situations, ventricular fibrillation—a rhythm disorder can occur, posing a life-threatening risk to the patient.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Atrial Fibrillation represents a chaotic and irregular electrical activity in the atria, the heart’s upper chambers. This results in a rapid and irregular heart rate, often exceeding 100 beats per minute. AF is one of the most common types of arrhythmias and can significantly increase the risk of stroke and other complications. It is frequently associated with underlying heart conditions, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or structural abnormalities.
• Sinus Tachycardia: Unlike other types of tachycardia, sinus tachycardia is considered a normal physiological response. It occurs when the heart rate increases in response to factors like physical activity, stress, fever, or pain. Sinus tachycardia is a temporary condition and usually subsides once the underlying cause is addressed.

Symptoms of Tachycardia

Here are some common symptoms associated with tachycardia:

• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Anxiety or panic
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Causes of Tachycardia

Here are some common causes of tachycardia:

• Abnormal electrical pathways
• Heart failure
• Medications and substances
• Emotional and physical stress
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Thyroid disorders
• Infection or fever
• Bradycardia

Diagnosis for Tachycardia  

Your doctor might recommend that you have the following tests:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Review of medical history and physical assessment of heart rate, rhythm, and associated signs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records electrical activity of the heart in order to spot irregular rhythms and categorize different types of tachycardia.
• Holter Monitor or Event Monitor: Portable devices that record heart’s electrical activity over a specific period, useful for capturing intermittent episodes of tachycardia.
• Blood Tests: Assess electrolyte levels, thyroid function, and other factors contributing to tachycardia.
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging to visualize heart’s structure and function, identifying any structural abnormalities related to tachycardia.

Treatment for Tachycardia 

• Medications: Medications such as antiarrhythmic drugs, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem or verapamil), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol or metoprolol), and blood thinners (e.g., warfarin or apixaban) can be prescribed to effectively manage heart rate and rhythm in tachycardia, tailored to the specific type of tachycardia, underlying causes, and individual patient considerations.
• Catheter Ablation: Utilizing advanced catheter-based procedures to selectively modify or eliminate abnormal electrical signals in specific areas of the heart, aiming to restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Pacemaker: Implantation of a pacemaker device when tachycardia coexists with bradycardia, ensuring the maintenance of a regular heart rate through the delivery of controlled electrical impulses.
• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Implanting an ICD device for high-risk tachycardias associated with life-threatening arrhythmias, allowing continuous monitoring and prompt intervention by delivering corrective shocks when necessary.
• Surgical Interventions: Reserved for exceptional cases, involving surgical procedures to excise abnormal tissue or repair structural abnormalities within the heart, addressing the root causes of tachycardia.

In a Nutshell

To sum up, tachycardia requires proper diagnosis, treatment, and management to ensure a healthy heart rhythm. Whether the tachycardia is caused by an underlying medical condition, lifestyle factors, or other factors, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.

When it comes to finding a qualified physician, BPinControl is here to assist you. Through our online portal, Find-a-Physician, we can connect you with experienced healthcare providers specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of tachycardia.

By simply visiting our BPinControl website and using the Find-a-Physician tool, you can easily locate physicians within your proximity who can help address your concerns.